From Hall of Fame Heroes to Photographer Laurels
This week brought moments that tug at the heartstrings and others that make you reach for your camera. Let's dive into the stories shaping our surf world.
Kolby Aipa's Permanent Place in Surf History
The Huntington Beach sand got emotional Thursday as the surf community posthumously honored Kolby Aipa at the Surfers' Hall of Fame. At just 20 years old, Aipa’s legacy now lives forever in cement beside his grandfather Ben Aipa’s handprints. His family – parents Duke and Val, sister Sky – spread his ashes around the new plaque reading 'Kolby Aipa — Northside Legend' before covering it with cement. 'I'm trying not to take this as sadness,' Duke shared. 'I'm embracing this as pride and love.' The Hawaiian-rooted ceremony felt like a full-circle moment to Duke. 'Kolby found his way back to the basic principles of love and aloha that Duke Kahanamoku brought here 100 years ago,' he said. A paddle-out celebrates his life Saturday at Huntington Pier. You can read the full story right here.
Ben Thouard's Nazaré Masterpiece Takes Top Photography Honors
Ever wondered what it takes to win Ocean Photographer of the Year? Ben Thouard’s answer: a 'rough day at Nazaré.' The Tahiti-based photographer edged out 15,000 global entries with his jaw-dropping shot of Praia do Norte’s beastly waves. 'The wind made it tricky,' Thouard recalled. 'Not many surfers went out, but Justine Dupont and Eric Rebiere gave it a try.' That magical moment – captured through salt spray and fading light – ultimately connected people to the ocean in ways words can't. As the award’s director notes, these images help us protect what we understand. Check out the winning shot over at The Inertia.
When DJ Steve Aoki Became Surf Ranch's Newest Barrel Chaser
Who knew the world’s busiest DJ could also shred barrels? Steve Aoki traded turntables for a surfboard at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch this week, putting on what one observer called an 'absolute barrel clinic.' The music maestro tucked into some tasty man-made waves, proving getting barreled isn’t just for pro surfers. 'The barrel life is a lonely one,' quipped BeachGrit, 'but Aoki made it look effortless.' For those of us who can’t afford Surf Ranch sessions (or don’t have 14 million Spotify fans), this is as close as we get. See the surprising session on BeachGrit.
From emotional tributes to artistic breakthroughs and unexpected surf antics – this week reminds us why we paddle out every day. Who’s inspiring you lately?